Adorning a vacation tree is a vital a part of the winter season for many individuals. However these bushes also can spark a well being downside referred to as Christmas tree syndrome, which refers to a variety of signs which might be attributable to allergens on stay Christmas bushes. A lot of these bushes will stay indoors for weeks, and extended publicity to the allergens could result in respiratory and pores and skin issues for some individuals.
Christmas tree syndrome normally causes sneezing, stuffy or runny nostril, eye irritation, coughing, wheezing, or sore throat. It may additionally exacerbate bronchial asthma or continual obstructive pulmonary syndrome (COPD) signs. It may also result in itching, swelling, or irritation within the pores and skin, and might trigger a worsening of contact dermatitis.
About seven p.c of people that have allergy symptoms expertise a rise in signs when a Christmas tree is current of their residence.
Christmas tree syndrome may trigger allergy symptoms in some individuals. However most allergens on Christmas bushes are normally on account of microbial life that resides on the bushes, akin to micro organism or fungi like Aspergillus, Cladosporium, or Penicillium, which generate mould.
Analysis has steered {that a} single Christmas tree can host as many as 50 completely different species of mould. For the primary three days a tree spends indoors, mould spore ranges have been discovered to be as excessive as 800 spores per cubic meter of air. By the point the tree has been indoors and in a a lot hotter atmosphere for 4 days, that rely tends to rise and might get to five,000 spores per cubic meter of air inside solely two weeks.
Pine pollen just isn’t regarded as a serious downside in relation to Christmas bushes. Nonetheless, the bushes are capable of choose up different allergens which might be then introduced into the house. Grass pollen, for instance, can grow to be trapped within the sap of the tree, after which it hangs out inside.
Among the well being issues offered by Christmas tree syndrome might be mitigated: consultants suggest holding a tree well-watered, as a result of hydrated bushes are much less more likely to encourage fungal progress; Douglas and Fraser fir bushes are thought to hold fewer allergens in comparison with pine or spruce bushes; verify your tree fastidiously for indicators of mould earlier than buying it. You may also wash your tree with a hose earlier than you convey it inside, and use air purifiers.
Whereas synthetic bushes could assist cut back the probability of Christmas tree syndrome, they is also simply as problematic if they’re saved in areas like attics or garages, the place they’ll choose up mould, mud, or different irritants that individuals are then uncovered to. If you would like a man-made tree, that may be an incredible, sustainable alternative so long as they’re saved appropriately, akin to in a sealed container.
Antihistamines, allergy drops or sprays, and rash lotions can assist cut back signs too.
Sources: Ohio State University, UCLA Health
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